In today’s competitive world, pursuing higher education has become essential for students seeking a rewarding career. Among the top choices for higher education, both nationally and internationally, the United States stands out, with thousands of students aspiring to join its prestigious institutions. One institution that consistently ranks at the top is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
MIT has dominated global rankings for years. In 2024, it secured the top spot in the QS Global Universities Rankings 2025 and was also ranked as the #1 university in the U.S. Additionally, it was placed second in the THE World University Rankings 2025 and earned a spot in the GUERS World’s Best 250 Universities for Graduate Employability. With such accolades, it’s no surprise that thousands of students aim to gain admission to this esteemed institution.
However, getting into MIT is neither easy nor affordable. To support students, MIT offers several financial aid programs, including special educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. This article explores these benefits.
Benefits for Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for VA benefits that can significantly reduce the cost of attending MIT. Each VA program offers different benefits and has specific eligibility requirements, so candidates must carefully review them.
Moreover, MIT considers veterans as independent of parental financial support. As stated on the university’s official website, veterans’ financial needs are calculated based on their individual income and assets, without taking their parents’ financial status into account.
How is a Veteran’s Financial Need Calculated?
According to MIT’s official website, the institute is one of only nine universities in the U.S. that practices need-blind admissions and offers full-need financial aid to students. This means that a candidate’s ability to pay is not considered during the admissions process. The following points are highlighted regarding how financial need is calculated:
Families with Income Below $100,000: Starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, families with a total income of less than $100,000 per year (with typical assets) are not expected to contribute toward their student’s MIT education.
Tuition-Free for Families Earning Under $200,000: Beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, students whose family income is under $200,000 annually (with typical assets) can attend MIT tuition-free. This means their total grant and scholarship aid will cover at least the cost of tuition.
Upon admission, every MIT student is assigned a financial aid counselor to guide them through the process.
Institutional Methodology Factors
- MIT uses several standard factors to calculate financial need, including:
- Number of people in the family.
- Number of children currently attending college as undergraduates.
- Country or state of primary residence.
- Total parent income from all sources (taxed and untaxed).
- Taxes paid.
- Unreimbursed medical expenses.
- Private school tuition for younger siblings.
- Total family assets.
Benefits for Veteran Dependents
Dependents of U.S. Armed Forces veterans are also eligible for VA benefits that help reduce their cost of attendance. Under this category, MIT provides access to two primary programs:
- Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) Program
- Fry Scholarship
Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) Program
The DEA program is available to candidates who are the child or spouse of a veteran or service member who meets one of the following criteria:
- The veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
- The veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability.
- The service member died in the line of duty.
- The service member has been missing in action or captured by a hostile force for more than 90 days.
- The service member has been forcibly detained or interned by a foreign entity for more than 90 days.
- The service member is hospitalized or undergoing outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.
Fry Scholarship
The Fry Scholarship is available to children or spouses of service members who meet the following criteria:
- The service member died in the line of duty while serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
- The member of the Selected Reserve died in the line of duty other than active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
- The member of the Selected Reserve died from a service-connected disability on or after September 11, 2001.
For more information, candidates are advised to visit the official website of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or can click here.